“Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.”
-Harvey Mackay
In our ever-increasing uncertain world, lots of people feel anxious, melancholy, and worried. Stress is increasing and mental well-being is now firmly understood as an issue that affects us all in one way or another.
I believe that by encouraging greater positive thinking we can have more impact on society. We can affect greater ownership on a personal level and improve outcomes for ourselves and others.
Yes, we are the ones that can make a different. You and me.
Did you know that around 20% - 60% of mind set is established even before you were born? Yes, your genes are responsible for a certain % of your mindset. But it's important to recognize that the influence of genes on mindset does not imply a fixed or unchangeable outcome. We can all change our mindset to a certain extent. Yes, I’m here to tell you, you can change our perspective, change our mindset to become more positive.
Positivity: the practice of being or tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude. It's forward looking, it helps us thrive. It's active.
Optimistic, hopeful and confident about the future.
Why is a positive mind set important?
Positivity is a key component of mental toughness, which important to business for 4 reasons; Wellbeing, Performance, Agility and Aspirations.
A company called AQR International, have combined existing psychological theory and applied sports psychology to bridge the gap between research and practice. Their definition of mental toughness was and remains:
“The personality trait which determines in large part how people deal effectively with challenges stressors and pressure… irrespective of circumstances.”
They suggest Mental toughness embraces both resilience and positivity with positive attitude being broadly explained by challenge and confidence. I am sure we’d all like more of these in our own lives, and businesses.
What do we need to have a more positive mindset?
"PERMA" Is an acronym that stands for the five essential elements of well-being identified by positive psychologist Martin Seligman. It is a model that focuses on the factors that contribute to a person's overall happiness and fulfilment. Each letter in PERMA represents a different aspect:
Positive emotions: Experiencing positive feelings such as joy, gratitude, love, and contentment.
Engagement: Being fully immersed and absorbed in activities that provide a sense of flow and enjoyment. It involves using one's strengths and skills to engage in challenging and meaningful activities.
Relationships: Remember the importance of positive social connections and relationships with others. Healthy relationships contribute to well-being and provide support, love, and a sense of belonging.
Meaning: Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It involves having goals and values that align with one's beliefs and engaging in activities that contribute to something larger than oneself.
Accomplishment: Setting and achieving goals, experiencing a sense of competence and mastery, and recognizing personal achievements. It involves striving for success and experiencing a sense of fulfilment.
How can we develop our mindset?
Here are ten things' people can do to cultivate a more positive mindset.
Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus towards the positive aspects of your life.
Surround yourself with positive people: Spend time with individuals who have a positive outlook and support your well-being. Positive social connections can have a significant impact on your mindset.
Engage in physical activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins and can improve your mood. Find physical activities that you enjoy and make them a part of your routine.
Practice mindfulness or meditation: Engaging in mindfulness or meditation practices can help you develop a more positive and present mindset. It can increase self-awareness and reduce stress.
Challenge negative thoughts: Pay attention to negative thoughts and actively challenge them. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and focus on constructive thinking.
Set goals and celebrate achievements: Set realistic goals for yourself and take steps towards achieving them. When you reach milestones, celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your progress.
Engage in activities you enjoy: Make time for activities that bring you joy and make you feel fulfilled. Engaging in hobbies and interests can boost your overall positivity.
Practice acts of kindness: Perform random acts of kindness for others. Small gestures, such as helping someone in need or offering a compliment, can uplift both your mood and the recipient's.
Limit exposure to negativity: Reduce your exposure to negative news, social media, or toxic environments that bring you down. Surround yourself with positive and uplifting content instead.
Take care of yourself: Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and engaging in self-care practices that recharge you.
Remember, developing a more positive mindset is a journey that takes time and effort. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can gradually cultivate a more positive outlook.
Have a go, as little as 5mins a day will show changes over time.
Need some help getting started - Why not join our new pilot?
You may have heard we are launching #21Activitesfor21Days on NRG's 6th Birthday - the 26th July.
With #positiveNRG you will get 1 message a day for 21 days with an activity to do that will increase your #Positivity. We are looking for 21 testers that will receive the full program for free. We only ask that you repay us with feedback and testimonials.
If you want to get involved, sign up below only open to the first 21 people.